Two Hamilton Princess staff members have been certified as trainers in the TIPS scheme to encourage responsible drinks service.

Bartender Vernell Lambe and director of learning Georgette Prime-Godwin have earned TIPS training for intervention procedures trainers.

Now, under the direction of the two, all food and beverage outlet management and servers will complete TIPS training. The food and beverage department represents nearly half the hotel’s staff and more than 80 per cent of them have direct contact with local and international guests at the hotel.

The hotel has trained staff through the programme for several years, with 20 successfully completing the training in 2015.

Jeanette Matthews, director of human resources, said: “Bringing this training in house gives us the flexibility to schedule TIPS training according to our business needs while reducing the external costs associated with training.

“Vernell and Georgette will be great leaders and we look forward to them assisting their colleagues to develop both personal and team-based skills sets that ultimately help us to exceed guest expectations.”